Egypt’s decision to eliminate paper arrival and departure cards from February 2026 is welcome news for schools organising international trips. This digital shift will significantly streamline the airport process for student groups. Previously, students struggled to complete these detailed forms correctly. This led to errors, delays at immigration counters, and added stress for accompanying teachers managing large groups. The new, paperless system will allow for smoother, faster processing upon arrival and departure. By removing this administrative hurdle, authorities will facilitate a more positive and efficient start and end to educational journeys. Teachers and GTK staff can now focus more on supervision and less on paperwork, making international excursions a less daunting logistical challenge and a more accessible learning experience for all.
Mrs. Riham Ismail
IB & AD Economics Teacher – NHS Advisor
American International School (AIS)
As a trip coordinator at two different schools, I’ve worked with GTK on everything from local day trips to international overnights and CAS programs. They’ve consistently been the most reliable agency I’ve dealt with—professional, transparent, and supported by some of the best tour guides out there. What really sets GTK apart is that they don’t just act as a service provider—they become true partners in the trip. They genuinely care about the students and always go the extra mile to make sure everyone feels safe, supported, and looked after. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Travel Authorization for Egyptian Students
Egyptian students planning school trips abroad must obtain parental authorization before departing from Cairo Airport. This document, required by passport control officers, can be secured from the Passport Department in Abbassia, Cairo. Fathers can apply directly for the authorization. Mothers may also apply but must present their child’s birth certificate alongside other required documents. To complete the application, parents need to bring their child’s original passport, flight ticket, and entry visa for the destination country. Additionally, the parent’s national ID is required. The processing fee is EGP 210. Parents are advised to visit the Passport Department well in advance of their child’s departure date to ensure all documentation is properly processed. This authorization is mandatory for Egyptian students traveling internationally on school trips.
To! 
Cape Town: From Table Mountain to Township Murals
Picture the students standing at the top of Table Mountain, breathless from the view and the hike high fiving after reaching the summit. They’ll ride the cable car down, tired but glowing with pride. Riding in Safari jeeps, they will be quietly spotting lions, elephants, and zebras at Game drive, scribbling notes as rangers teach them about wildlife and how we can protect it. Adventure follows them everywhere: kayaking beside penguins in clear blue waters, abseiling down cliffs with waterfalls cooling their faces. But the heart of this journey? The people. In Khayelitsha township, students will paint school murals with local artists, share soccer games with kids, and sit down to a homemade samp stew with grandmothers who share stories passed down through generations. They’ll taste sweet koeksisters in the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, dance to marimba music at a local community centre, and visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela’s story leaves its mark on every visitor. With caring guides and peaceful eco-lodges between the sea and mountains, everything feels safe, smooth, and deeply memorable. They’ll return with safari dust in their shoes, paint on their sleeves, and a deeper understanding of ubuntu “I am because we are.” This isn’t just a trip. It’s a transformation.
Tips and Tricks
Travel Requirements for Foreign Students Residing in Egypt
Non-Egyptian students living in Egypt and participating in school trips abroad must be aware of crucial documentation requirements before departure. Egyptian authorities require proof of legal entry into the country for all non-Egyptian residents leaving through Cairo Airport. Students must present a valid entry stamp in their passport when departing. If this stamp appears in an old or expired passport, it is essential to bring both the old and current passports to the airport. Alternatively, students holding a valid Egyptian residency permit can present this document as proof of legal entry. Failure to provide either an accessible entry stamp or valid residency documentation will result in denial of departure at passport control. Parents and students are strongly advised to verify their documentation well before the travel date to avoid complications and ensure a smooth departure from Egypt.